Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Living Colour - Vivid (1988)

Originally found by The Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, Living Colour's debut album Vivid produced one of the biggest hard rock song's of all time. The track opens the record and is the first thing that comes up when someone mentions Living Colour. "Cult of Personality" won the the best Hard Rock song in 1989 and definitely has one of the best solos I've ever heard. I believe they were the first or one of the very first all black heavy metal bands and the album dealt with racism and equality. The music is a blend of jazz,punk,funk with there hard sound. Going through the album once again, I'm surprised how nice the album flows like it's a complete album. I know they've always been consistent but the variety of the musicianship is awesome. Songs to check out "Cult of Personality", "Glamour Boys" and "Middle Man".

1. "Cult of Personality" 4:54
2. "I Want to Know" 4:24
3. "Middle Man" 3:47
4. "Desperate People" 5:36
5. "Open Letter (To a Landlord)" 5:32
6. "Funny Vibe" (Reid) 4:20
7. "Memories Can't Wait" (Talking Heads cover) 4:30
8. "Broken Hearts" 4:50
9. "Glamour Boys" 3:39
10. "What's Your Favorite Color? (Theme Song) 3:56
11. "Which Way to America?" 3:41

Monday, August 30, 2010

Cavalera Conspiracy - Inflikted (2008)

The Cavalera brothers finally reunited 12 years in the making since the nineties with Sepultura with the album Roots. Igor Cavalera had somewhat retired from metal music after he finished with Sepultura. Cavalera Conspiracy is the real Sepultura, this album blows anything away Max's former band has done since he left in 1996. I'll be surprised if the original Sepultura ever do reunite. As far as this album goes, it's angry, heavy, and intense. A good mix of hardcore punk and thrash. I think it's comical that there are some people that believe A-Lex from Igor's former band was better than Inflikted. The only bad thing is that Cavalera Conspiracy isn't top priority with Max Cavalera as I think Soulfly is the number one priority. Not really sure what Igor's been up to but, they're scheduled to release the second album in early 2011 with Johnny Chow who was the touring bassist. I heard Soulfly is playing at Slim's in San Francisco. Let's go! Songs to check out "Inflikted", "Sanctuary" and "Must Kill".


1. "Inflikted" - 4:32
2. "Sanctuary" - 3:23
3. "Terrorize" - 3:37
4. "Black Ark" - 4:54
5. "Ultra-Violent" - 3:47
6. "Hex" - 2:37
7. "The Doom of All Fires" - 2:12
8. "Bloodbrawl" - 5:41
9. "Nevertrust" - 2:23
10. "Hearts of Darkness" - 4:29
11. "Must Kill" - 5:56

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Meat Puppets - Too High To Die (1994)

The eighth album by the Meat Puppets Too High to Die is probably my favorite sounding album by them. There production improved being on a major label, I think that there was definite improvement than Forbidden Places which was there first on London Records this being the second. You might be familiar with one of the songs other than obviously "Backwater" there most well known song until Nirvana covered "Lake of Fire" at the MTV Unplugged show later that same year. They even let the Meat Puppet's come in and play "Plateau" with them which is from Meat Puppet's II. That's there best album in my opinion. I like Meat Puppet's first couple of songs from this album especially since they bring out some good psychedelic rock tracks. I think as the album goes past the half way mark it get's on the verge of being a bit better than average but not perfect. I don't think it's better than Meat Puppet's II or Up on the Sun but, I think it's my third favorite album by them. Songs to check out "Backwater", "Violet Eyes" and "Flaming Heart".

1. "Violet Eyes" – 3:51
2. "Never to Be Found" – 4:46
3. "We Don't Exist" – 3:44
4. "Severed Goddess Hand" – 2:59
5. "Flaming Heart" – 4:49
6. "Shine" – 3:50
7. "Station" – 2:22
8. "Roof with a Hole" – 3:34
9. "Backwater" – 3:42
10. "Things" – 4:06
11. "Why?" – 4:20
12. "Evil Love" – 3:07
13. "Comin' Down" - 6:56
14. "Lake of Fire (hidden track)

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Powerman 5000 - Tonight the Stars Revolt! (1999)

The second album by Powerman 5000 was without a doubt there most popular release as it was at the height of nu metal genre. Powerman 5000 has this fixation on sci fi and sounds heavy with sound effects like Rob Zombie uses which he's even featured in the track "Blast Off to Nowhere". The production is fantastic but, there's several things to shake your head at as well. One of them being there stage names as Spider One(vocalist),M.33(guitarist),Dorian 27(bass), Adam 12(guitar) and Al 3(drums). I think that's most of the complete lineup from this album(I had to look it up). Like Slipknot, these guys came up on the scene both from the Ozzfest tours. I think Powerman 5000 was on the Ozzfest consecutive years sometime in the nineties and ended up being one of those bands that started on the second stage that made enough noize to be on main stage the next year. There music videos often look like a movie that the Sci Fi channel airs at 3am in the morning. The singer totally reminds me of Billy Idol, I wonder if that's one his main influences..What can I say I was listening to these guys in elementary school like System of a Down. Could never deny the past, I wasn't into the nu metal scene that much but, some pretty cool stuff was out there early 2000's. Songs to check out "Supernova Goes Pop", "When World's Collide" and "Nobody's Real".

1. "An Eye Is Upon You" – 0:51
2. "Supernova Goes Pop" – 3:14
3. "When Worlds Collide" – 2:58
4. "Nobody's Real" – 2:54
5. "System 11:11" – 0:48
6. "Tonight the Stars Revolt!" – 2:42
7. "Automatic" – 3:22
8. "The Son of X-51" – 2:58
9. "Operate, Annihilate" – 3:48
10. "Blast Off to Nowhere" (feat. Rob Zombie) – 3:45
11. "They Know Who You Are" – 2:33
12. "Good Times Roll" – 3:59 (The Cars Cover)
13. "Watch the Sky for Me" – 5:19

Friday, August 27, 2010

Beastie Boys - Licensed To Ill (1986)

This is one of the first CD's I ever got actually. I remember my dad got me this album when I was like eleven or twelve. I liked it on the first listen and I still listen to a lot of these songs to this day. I am white and I do like the Beastie Boys haha. Makes sense huh? No, I think most rap is focused on being gangster and that stuff doesn't appeal to me at all but, Beastie Boys have a light side to them. A lot of there songs from this album feature are somewhat rock like "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" which features Kerry King from Slayer on guitar whom was also was in the music video. He also did the solo on "Fight for Your Right" too. I looked it up and this album has sold over nine million which is impressive because i'm not too sure about the Beastie Boys fan base since Vanilla Ice was getting white boys like me a bad name LOL. No, i'm just kidding Vanilla Ice was nineties and made a mockery of himself later on. The guy still is a tool. Seriously Vanilla Ice, is that the whitest name you've ever heard. What was that guy thinking..Back to the Beastie Boys, this was the very first number one album in hip hop which is completely dominated in an opposite race. What irony. Suck on that racists. Songs to check out "Fight for Your Right", "The New Style" and "No Sleep Till Brooklyn".

1. "Rhymin & Stealin" – 4:08
2. "The New Style" – 4:36
3. "She's Crafty" – 3:35
4. "Posse in Effect" – 2:27
5. "Slow Ride" – 2:56
6. "Girls" – 2:14
7. "Fight for Your Right" – 3:28
8. "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" – 4:07
9. "Paul Revere" – 3:41
10. "Hold It Now, Hit It" – 3:26
11. "Brass Monkey" – 2:37
12. "Slow and Low" – 3:38
13. "Time to Get Ill" – 3:37

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Elastica - Elastica (1995)

The debut record of Elastica was the fastest selling debut album in the UK for a couple years while they held that record. They could never follow up with there self entitled album as they split in 2001. They received considerably a lot airplay over here in the States as well with there hit single "Connection" as I heard it get played on the radio recently actually. Vocalist Justine Frischmann's brings a Blondie like witty style to the music. She at the time was in a relationship with the frontman for the Blur Damon Albarn. I think in some ways it's still a rarity that female rock bands like Elastica exist. They're aren't a whole lot of big ones come to think of it. L7,Jack Off Jill, Kittie and The Go-Go's are the top ones off my mind. I know I'm missing an obvious one...hmm. Anyway's it's good nineties music if you're in the mood. Songs to check out "Connection", "Car Song" and "Vaseline".

1. "Line Up" 3:15
2. "Annie" 1:15
3. "Connection" 2:22
4. "Car Song" 2:24
5. "Smile" 1:40
6. "Hold Me Now" 2:33
7. "S.O.F.T." 3:59
8. "Indian Song" 2:48
9. "Blue" 2:23
10. "All-Nighter" 1:31
11. "Waking Up" 3:16
12. "2:1" 2:31
13. "Stutter" 2:23
14. "Never Here" 4:27
15. "Vaseline" 1:20

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Early Man - Closing In (2005)

The debut album of Early Man is a very good heavy metal album. They sound like The Sword and Evile mixed I believe. They have the thrash sound blended with classic heavy metal. They emerged in 2003 in Brooklyn, New York as a three piece band. I heard someone say vocalist Mike Conte's a mix of Geddy Lee and Ozzy. I definitely hear the Ozzyness in him as they kind of sound like Sabbath to begin with. They're definitely a throwback band. I'm surprised by the sound isn't as stellar as it could've been since I know Jack Endino produced this album. He's done everyone from Nirvana to Mudhoney to High on Fire. I'm down with the songs but, the production is horrible. I'm curious to check out some of there newer material as they just released a new album last month entitled Death Potion. They're out touring with Evile and Bonded By Blood but, I don't think there coming to northern California unfortunately. Songs to check out "Feeding Frenzy", "War Eagle" and "Four Walls".

1. Four Walls - 2:42
2. War Eagle - 3:14
3. Death Is the Answer - 5:35
4. Feeding Frenzy - 3:23
5. Thrill of the Kill - 4:35
6. Like a Goddamn Rat - 3:10
7. Fist Shaker - 3:43
8. Evil Is - 4:27
9. Brain Sick - 3:32
10. Contra - 3:53
11. Raped and Pillaged - 3:51

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Joe Satriani - Surfing With the Alien (1987)

The second album that made Satch and the most accessible rock instrumental album of all time Surfing With the Alien a great and timeless record. Joe Satriani is one of the best shredders in the world. He decided to put a more melodic approach than speed with great guitar techniques that inspired many guitarists. His former students are some of the biggest names in rock such as Kirk Hammett from Metallica, guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, Larry LaLonde from Primus, Alex Skolnick lead guitarist for Testament and more. This might explain why Kirk Hammett sounds so excellent with a wah-pedal and Skolnick usually features the wild like tremolo bar vibratos in songs he's featured in. Satch always had great melodies in his songs and isn't just about speed while most guitar virtuosos focused on being faster. If you really enjoy the guitar you'll immediately be impressed regardless this album is over twenty years old. Songs to check out "Surfing with the Alien", "Satch Boogie" and "Ice 9".

1. "Surfing with the Alien" – 4:20
2. "Ice 9" – 4:08
3. "Crushing Day" – 5:16
4. "Always with Me, Always with You" – 3:20
5. "Satch Boogie" – 3:10
6. "Hill of the Skull" – 1:46
7. "Circles" – 3:27
8. "Lords of Karma" – 4:46
9. "Midnight" – 1:42
10. "Echo" – 5:38

Monday, August 23, 2010

Airbourne - Runnin' Wild (2007)

The debuting album by Australian rockers Airbourne is fantastic especially if you're into AC/DC as there music seems to be highly inspired by them. I first heard of them on a videogame which was the titled track "Runnin' Wild" from the Madden Football game's soundtrack. I love the high energy they bring, I hope to see them in concert one day as I believe there playing on the Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival. This is just rock n roll it's not original it's just pedal to the metal. I wouldn't go as far as saying it's the greatest debut album since Van Halen which I thought was a horrific comparison when I read a review on them a couple years ago. These guys are just always looking for a good time and to me it's seems like hard rock has lost the party mentality which was largely incorporated in the eighties and seventies. People are more aware than ever but, these guys are the guys who probably wake up till two in the afternoon because of partying all night. They're one of the best new bands period. Songs to check out "Diamond in the Rough", "Runnin' Wild" and "Heartbreaker".

1."Stand Up For Rock 'N' Roll" - 4:01
2. "Runnin' Wild" - 3:38
3. "Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast" - 3:42
4. "Diamond in the Rough" - 2:54
5. "Fat City" - 3:26
6. "Blackjack" - 2:42
7. "What's Eatin' You" - 3:36
8. "Girls In Black" - 3:16
9. "Cheap Wine & Cheaper Women" - 3:10
10. "Heartbreaker" - 3:56
11. "Hellfire" - 2:19

Sunday, August 22, 2010

10,000 Maniacs - MTV Unplugged (1993)

I have fond memories of listening to this album when I was much younger. My dad had this on tape and it's about the furthest I can remember back when I was that young. Usually, you don't remember stuff from when you're five but, this is my first tracings of music in a way. This isn't hard or nearly rock. It's acoustic soft music that I feel I have a special connection with. Natalie Merchant's voice is uplifting in this release. I'm not familiar with there history but, I know when I hear something good and this is it. It is a stretch for my blog but, I think if you're open enough to look on youtube maybe you'll see what I'm saying. I think this proves my diversity as I tried all throughout school to not be labeled. This was Merchant's last appearance with 10,000 Maniacs so I guess that's why I never bothered to really care about post unplugged stuff by them. Even though it sounds folk I see something worthy in it being better than most folk because it definitely caught my attention going back and listening to the tracks is quite a trip in memory lane for me. Songs to check out "Eat for Two", "Don't Talk" and "Hey Jack Kerouac".


1. "These Are Days" – 4:22
2. "Eat for Two" – 4:12
3. "Candy Everybody Wants" – 3:19
4. "I'm Not the Man" – 3:46
5. "Don't Talk" – 5:22
6. "Hey Jack Kerouac" – 3:29
7. "What's the Matter Here?" – 4:50
8. "Gold Rush Brides" – 4:12
9. "Like the Weather" – 4:15
10. "Trouble Me" – 3:40
11. "Jezebel" – 4:20
12. "Because the Night" (Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen) – 3:44
13. "Stockton Gala Days" – 5:25
14. "Noah's Dove" – 5:07

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Jane's Addiction - Ritual De Lo Habitual (1990)

Coming off the success of there previous album Nothing's Shocking, Jane's Addiction Ritual De Lo Habitual is a perfect example of how alternative rock would soon take over glam rock. A great album to start of the nineties as it was alternative but also showed some experimental catchy material that hit the airwaves. Unfortunately this was there last album for a long while because they would brake up after the Lollapalooza tour which Perry Farrell and Dave Navarro had serious tension on stage which can be seen on footage or youtube. Eric Avery the guy who you may of seen audtion for bassist on the Metallica documentary Some Kind of Monster quit the band which Navarro wasn't happy either so it was a domino effect. Perry Farrell and drummer Stephen Perkins would form Porno for Pyros after which there self entitled album was pretty good with there hit song "Pets" if you remember. Dave Navarro would play for the Chili Peppers around 1993 and hooked up with Flea. They did that brief reunion tour with Jane's Addiction in 1997. They would take several years to record another album which I never got around to listening to but, I only ended up liking a song or two from that album Strays. They've been so off and on it's hard to remember all the layoffs but I know they have Duff McKagen from Guns n' Roses and Velvet Revolver bassist playing on the tour right now. From what I last heard on Blabbermouth, there's a album in process which is amazing because they only have three studio records even though they've been around forever it seems. I totally think there overrated honestly. They've always had it musically but they choose to make people wait for the next Ritual De Lo Habitual because Strays seemed like a whole bunch of fillers besides the song "Just Because" and it's already been seven years since that disappoint. Songs to check out "Been Caught Stealing", "Stop" and "Ain't No Right".

1. "Stop" – 4:14
2. "No One's Leaving" – 3:01
3. "Ain't No Right" – 3:34
4. "Obvious" – 5:55
5. "Been Caught Stealing" – 3:34
6. "Three Days" – 10:48
7. "Then She Did" – 8:18
8. "Of Course" – 7:02
9. "Classic Girl" – 5:07

Friday, August 20, 2010

King's X - Faith, Hope, Love (1990)

King's X third release Faith, Hope, Love increased the popularity of the band that gained popularity previously with the song "Over My Head" from Gretchen Goes to Nebraska. It picks up where Gretchen left off and just is pure classic 80's/early 90's hard rock. I love there complex sound and the unique twist of soul influence with hard rock. They're one of the best three piece bands that I could come up with along with obviously Rush. The album features one of my favorite songs of all time being there major single "It's Love". I remember seeing the music video and instantly liking it because it's very beautiful and heavy musically. After the success of this song they would get signed on the major label Atlantic for there fourth release the self entitled King's X album. It's also cool when they promote something else thats a lot of metal bands aren't willing to do while the trend forever is seems has been incorporated in satanism. Pretty much everyone knows King's X promotes Christianity but, they weren't doing it forcefully so maybe not everyone picked that up because that'd possibly offend other religions. King's X were hard enough for headbangers and were spiritual enough to have a Christian fan base as this was one of the albums featured in the 100 Greatest Christian albums of all time. Songs to check out "It's Love", "Fine Art of Friendship" and "Legal Kill".

1. "We Are Finding Who We Are" – 4:39
2. "It's Love" – 4:34
3. "I'll Never Get Tired of You" – 3:46
4. "Fine Art of Friendship" – 4:21
5. "Mr. Wilson" – 3:39
6. "Moanjam" – 6:05
7. "Six Broken Soldiers" – 3:32
8. "I Can't Help It" – 3:53
9. "Talk to You" – 4:36
10. "Everywhere I Go" – 3:53
11. "We Were Born to Be Loved" – 4:52
12. "Faith Hope Love" – 9:23
13. "Legal Kill" – 4:42

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Hellyeah - Hellyeah (2007)

The heavy metal supergroup hits hard and loud with there self entitled debut record. You get Vinnie Paul on drums from Pantera, Chad Gray and Greg Tribett from Mudvayne. Oh yes Mudvayne...don't worry it's not nu-metal. I would say they sound like Damageplan more than Pantera or Rebel Meets Rebel. It made it to number nine on the Billboard on the back of a Rolling Stone Magazine I saw which is awesome that hard stuff can sort of compete with all that garbage pop stuff like The Jonas Brothers. All the members were fairly known but, I think there singles were good enough to make them known that we've got more creativity than just our previous bands. It's heavy, groovy and sounds like what a band like there's should sound like if that makes sense. It makes sense for me to review them because there going on tour pretty soon on the Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival while promoting there new release Stampede which was released just last month. It's better than your average new hard rock bands that's for damn sure. Songs to check out "You Wouldn't Know", "Hellyeah" and "Goddamn".

1. "Hellyeah" 3:30
2. "You Wouldn't Know" 4:18
3. "Matter of Time" 3:46
4. "Waging War" 3:05
5. "Alcohaulin' Ass" 3:54
6. "Goddamn" 3:20
7. "In the Mood" 0:58
8. "Star" 3:42
9. "Rotten to the Core" 3:52
10. "Thank You" 4:31
11. "Nausea" 4:59
12. "One Thing" 3:50

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Post Mortem - Destined for Failure (1993)

I've never heard of Post Mortem before I made this pickup with Destined for Failure and this stuff is just cool and interesting. It kind of reminds me of the thrash version of Suicidal Tendencies and it has a experimental sound with it too. I can hear some jazz influence in it. They're labeled as death metal on the internet but, this isn't death metal. I was trying to research more about them but, there's very little about them that I can find because this Argentina band that has the same name as the Boston band I'm reviewing is getting in the way. I read that this was the final Post Mortem release which I don't think so because I can recall the same band releasing a album back in 2009 so I'm totally confused. All I can tell you it's on the weird side and twisted. Songs to check out "Loose Stool", "Father Knows Less" and "Last Day At The Arboretum".

1. Loose Stool - 2:01
2. Pickle Bucket - 3:16
3. I Like Pinball & Pool, I Work In An Arcade During The Summer - 2:39
4. Pigeon Boy Waiting - 4:45
5. Dazzle Me With Your Knowledge Of The Fine Arts - 4:15
6. The Skills - 6:00
7. Father Knows Less - 2:10
8. Winner's Circle - 4:35
9. Last Day At The Arboretum - 5:55

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Green Day - Dookie (1994)

This was Green Day's third album and by far there best. Not a fan of them at all pretty much but, I love some of these songs on here. Use to hear them on the radio all the time and grown accustom to liking this album in particular. It's not surprising this album would sell over twenty million records. It didn't get any better for Modern Punk. Rolling Stone Magazine placed it as the best release of 1994. Insomniac is there hardest album but, this belongs to be reviewed on The Music Enthusiast because it's one of my childhood albums and it doesn't have to be hard to enjoy this one even though everything they release from the last decade has sucked. I think it was one of those deals like with Nirvana when Nevermind was released they became huge stars and that's what happened here. Even though it pop-punky, please enjoy it! For those of you who don't know I do listen to a lot of ABBA so this isn't a big stretch for me. Songs to check out "Longview", "Welcome to Paradise" and "When I Come Around".

1. "Burnout" — 2:07
2. "Having a Blast" — 2:44
3. "Chump" — 2:54
4. "Longview" — 3:59
5. "Welcome to Paradise" — 3:44
6. "Pulling Teeth" — 2:30
7. "Basket Case" — 3:03
8. "She" — 2:14
9. "Sassafras Roots" — 2:37
10. "When I Come Around" — 2:58
11. "Coming Clean" — 1:34
12."Emenius Sleepus" — 1:43
13."In the End" — 1:46
14."F.O.D." — 5:46

Monday, August 16, 2010

Savatage - Edge of Thorns (1993)

This album totally kicks ass. I'm still not very familiar with Savatage but it's great progressive hard rock. I was reading an article about these guys in a back issue of I think it was Rip Magazine and they looked cool because I was just looking for bands that weren't even glam in there. It's at the time where glam was bombarding the metal magazines back then. Hit Parader use to feature mostly glam while Rip was for the harder fans. I eventually spotted this record and this wasn't even a record store it was one of those flea markets. I don't think I've ever come across to them at the record stores I usually attend. I love the heavy guitars with the piano it just sounds so fucking epic. It sounds like it's from the eighties with great guitar solos whom unfortunately I'm not familiar with the bands history. I think this is one of those albums where the second half of the album is a lot better than the first half. There guitarist whose name is Criss Oliva died in a car accident after this album. This was Zak Stevens first album singing with them and I think after Criss died I think Alex Skolnick played guitar for them and after that former Megadeth guitarist Al Pitrelli would play guitar for them until he went into Megadeth after Marty Friedman quit Megadeth during the Risk tour in 2000. Songs sound great and I'm eager to listen to more of there stuff. Songs to check out "Edge of Thorns", "Degrees of Sanity", and "Sleep".

1. "Edge of Thorns" - 5:54
2. "He Carves His Stone" - 4:14
3. "Lights Out" - 3:10
4. "Skraggy's Tomb" - 4:22
5. "Labyrinths" - 1:29
6. "Follow Me" - 5:08
7. "Exit Music" - 3:05
8. "Degrees Of Sanity" - 4:36
9. "Conversation Piece" - 4:10
10. "All That I Bleed" - 4:41
11. "Damien" - 3:53
12. "Miles Away" - 5:06
13. "Sleep" - 3:52

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Rush - Power Windows (1985)

I'm still coming off my Rush buzz after there new documentary release Beyond the Lighted Stage. The eleveth Rush album is in the time period of the synthesizer. It had a lot of keyboards contributed by Geddy Lee. I found it interesting that Neil Peart wrote a good majority of the albums lyrics. It focused on domination of power and how it affects others aiming towards the military in the use of the "Manhattan Project" atomic bomb. There music is always so inventive and different on many levels musically and lyrically. I think some Rush fans dig the keyboards for it adding texture but, it kind of feels like the guitar is drawn out almost. It sounds like an echo and not constant strums. I can't say this is one of my favorites but I like the idea of them focusing on world domination, power that comes with money and weapons and the unbalance it brings the world. It lacks the rawness of many other Rush albums before it and some after. It does sound like it's from the eighties which could be good or bad depending on your taste. It's only eight tracks but fills over forty minutes of music. Songs to check out "The Big Money", "Manhattan Project" and "Mystic Rhythms".

1. "The Big Money" 5:37
2. "Grand Designs" 5:06
3. "Manhattan Project" 5:07
4. "Marathon" 6:09
5. "Territories" 6:20
6. "Middletown Dreams" 5:15
7. "Emotion Detector" 5:11
8. "Mystic Rhythms" 5:54

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Van Hagar - For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991)

Besides Van Halen III this is probably my least favorite by them in my opinion. They seemed to drop the partying gimmick and leaned more into like the Bon Jovi status. It was there ninth record and Sammy's third with them at this point. I prefer David Lee Roth not because of his looks haha but, he just had it for being what the crowds wanted back then minus the band I hear are real dicks. For some reason it does remind me of 1984 for some reason. I think it's harder than the previous Hagar albums 5150 and OU812 but I wouldn't chose this one over the other two. You can also tell by the initials of the album's nickname it's pretty obvious. I'm glad they took a step back in the ballads I just hate ballads only some can truly move me. My friend Dan and I were discussing the new Black Label Society album that just came out and I told him I thought there were too many ballads. He was like does that make the album bad which he's always kind of moody with me but, I just told him I prefer the heavy material Zakk Wylde does which I just was trying to point out that four ballads was too much for a record. So yes, the only thing that this album had going for it was that they tried to get back to being harder. They did the best job I guess they could've because it still debuted at number one. Songs to check out "Right Now", "Poundcake" and I couldn't decide my third favorite it's either "Top of the World" or "Runaround".

1. "Poundcake" – 5:22
2. "Judgement Day" – 4:41
3. "Spanked" – 4:53
4. "Runaround" – 4:21
5. "Pleasure Dome" – 6:57
6. "In 'n' Out" – 6:05
7. "Man on a Mission" – 5:04
8. "The Dream Is Over" – 4:00
9. "Right Now" – 5:21
10. "316" – 1:29
11. "Top of the World" – 3:55

Friday, August 13, 2010

Mr. Bungle - Mr. Bungle (1991)

Another Mike Patton fronted bands that are weird as hell in his first band Mr. Bungle. Man he's had a lot of success with not just Faith no More but, Tomahawk, Lovage, Fantomas and Peeping Tom. I think Mr. Bungle is most famous for mocking the Red Hot Chili Peppers than anything else they've ever done. Mr. Bungle is very up and down moody. Some people don't like Mr. Bungle but, I'm willing to assure to you that they don't get Mr. Bungle either. They're over the top and weren't meant to have any top ten singles it's just a bunch of guys from Eureka who probably had nothing better to do such as make ridiculous music as I can relate as I was raised up in Mendocino County. They could sound like jazz and then sound like a circus act it's pretty weird stuff. This is a very good experimental album probably one of the better I own at the moment. I can say if you've never heard them you'll either think it's genius or you'll think it's the worst music you've ever heard. Songs to check out "Squeeze Me Macaroni", "Carousel" and "The Girls of Porn".

1. "Quote Unquote (Travolta)" – 6:56
2. "Slowly Growing Deaf" – 6:59
3. "Squeeze Me Macaroni" – 5:38
4. "Carousel" – 5:13
5. "Egg" – 10:38
6. "Stubb (a Dub)" – 7:19
7. "My Ass Is on Fire" – 7:47
8. "The Girls of Porn" – 6:42
9. "Love Is a Fist" – 6:01
10. "Dead Goon" – 10:02

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Prong - Rude Awakening (1996)

The sixth Prong album is where I kind of get confused. They sounded more industrial and electronic with Rude Awakening. They still have crunchy riffs but this one is odd for me compared to the earlier ones which I cherish. I always struggled to identify this record and maybe at this time the musical differences within the band were changing because I thought they sounded just fine with there alternative groove metal sounding vibe. If you're a fan of industrial you'll without a doubt think it's genius. This was there last studio record they would come out with till almost a decade later with Scorpio Rising in 2004 which I thought it was a lot better than the reviews I read about online. It's widely known that this album did not sell which led to the demise of them for a couple years with Tommy Victor playing in Danzig and Ted Parsons and Paul Raven played for Godflesh after Prong. I really wanted to see them live when they came by the bay area opening up for Fear Factory but, no one wanted to go. Hopefully they'll write another album and come back!! Songs to check out "Controller", "Rude Awakening" and "Close the Door".

1. "Controller" – 3:39
2. "Caprice" – 2:47
3. "Rude Awakening" – 4:18
4. "Unfortunately" – 3:08
5. "Face Value" – 4:09
6. "Avenue of the Finest" – 3:37
7. "Slicing" – 3:29
8. "Without Hope" – 3:13
9. "Mansruin" – 3:29
10. "Innocence Gone" – 3:11
11. "Dark Signs" – 3:22
12. "Close the Door" – 4:05
13. "Proud Division" – 5:46

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Sevendust - Seasons (2003)

The fourth Sevendust record is angry and in your face. This was my intro album to them with there single "Enemy" I remember watching that music video back in the day. I thought they were pretty cool but never got super into them. They're pretty fierce for a band that gets played on hard rock stations. I think they are classified as alternative metal or nu-metal. That genre nu-metal might scare some people but, Seasons is good enough to be accepted from the rock community fans. From what I know about there earlier stuff Seasons had more of complexity and variety of music. One could diss them by saying the tracks could be a bit generic but, Seasons kicks ass. You always have to be a little cautious getting any new albums these days cause it seems like corporate are controlling musical influence to a degree which makes everything sound the same. Songs to check out "Enemy", "Face to Face" and "Broken Down".


1. "Disease" 3:34
2. "Enemy" 3:03
3. "Seasons" 3:32
4. "Broken Down" 3:23
5. "Separate" 3:42
6. "Honesty" 3:30
7. "Skeleton Song" 4:22
8. "Disgrace" 3:58
9. "Burned Out" 3:52
10. "Suffocate" 3:22
11. "Gone" 3:43
12. "Face to Face" 3:55

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

R.E.M. - Monster (1994)

This is by far my most favorite R.E.M. record. It sounds almost too distorted and loud compared to all there other releases. I was literally raised on them as they were one of my dad's favorite bands as I have memories of being a young kid in the passenger seat listening to all there stuff from Automatic for the People, New Adventures of Hi-Fi, Up, Out of Time and the one that stuck with me the most Monster. It was them at there highest as they debuted at number one and Rolling Stone Magazine declared them the best band in 1995 in an back issue. I hear hints of seventies rock when I listen to it. I think vocalist Michael Stipe is super creative lyrically and has unique views of identity and reality from his perspective. I think I can relate to him myself since he had the same problems I have like insecurity, shyness and lack of direction. It's intellectually very high and I'm sure I'm going to get panned for putting them over on my site but, the songs have great textures where you can just get zoned out by the music. Regardless if it's alternative I still can see something past the music and I'm sure if you give it a chance you'll enjoy it because it's R.E.M. at there hardest. Songs to check out "Circus Envy", "You" and "Bang and Blame".

1. "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" – 4:00
2. "Crush with Eyeliner" – 4:39
3. "King of Comedy" – 3:40
4. "I Don't Sleep, I Dream" – 3:27
5. "Star 69" – 3:07
6. "Strange Currencies" – 3:52
7. "Tongue" – 4:13
8. "Bang and Blame" – 5:30
9. "I Took Your Name" – 4:02
10. "Let Me In" – 3:28
11. "Circus Envy" – 4:15
12. "You" – 4:54

Monday, August 9, 2010

Stone Temple Pilots - Purple (1994)

One of my favorite albums from the nineties from first track to last this is a classic. It has the perfect mix of loud guitar and melody. Alike a lot of Stone Temple Pilots, I've been listening to them forever it seems and I could never get sick of them. My dad and I argue when comparing what was better Core or Purple and to my belief it is Purple because strictly the singles were better. "Sex Type Thing" is an amazing track from Core but, I'm pretty sure "Interstate Love Song" is the best song of the nineties and second most popular only behind Nirvana's "Smells like Teen Spirit". The album itself debuted at #1 on the billboards and was hitting the airwaves and music television massively. I think it's one of there most diverse releases they've done and every song has great choruses too. This is true 90's arena rock here. Songs to check out "Silvergun Superman", "Big Empty" and "Meatplow".


1. "Meatplow" 3:37
2. "Vasoline" 2:56
3. "Lounge Fly" 5:18
4. "Interstate Love Song" 3:14
5. "Still Remains" 3:33
6. "Pretty Penny" 3:42
7. "Silvergun Superman" 5:16
8. "Big Empty" 4:54
9. "Unglued" 2:35
10. "Army Ants" 3:46
11. "Kitchenware & Candybars" 8:07

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Guns N' Roses - Use Your Illusion II (1991)

As much as I hate Axl Pose, if they combined the best songs from the first two Use Your Illusions this would've been possibly the biggest rock album ever. It would've been a cluster of rock hits that it's the same thing Metallica would later do with Load and Reload was that the quality of songs they produced were too good and massive to be just put on one. They probably both did the split for the money but, there's no denying who was on top unless you're a Metallica fan like me haha..Around the time of the recording former Guns n' Roses was drummer had been fired for abusing drugs (like all of them weren't)and hired Matt Sorrum from The Cult. I think a big reason why the albums did good on the charts and sold well was because there seems to be a lot of music videos they did if I'm right. I'm sure that's all they were showing on MTV with the epic story triology they tried to show via the music videos which I think was out of order because it went "November Rain" then "Don't Cry" and lastly "Estranged". I don't know if I prefer part one or two. I think I prefer part one because of the awesome music video "November Rain". That was like Michael Jackson's "Thriller" of hard rock music being that it was over freaking eight minutes. Songs to check out "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", "You Could be Mine" and "Estranged".

1. "Civil War" 7:43
2. "14 Years" 4:21
3. "Yesterdays" 3:16
4. "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" (Bob Dylan cover) 5:36
5. "Get in the Ring" 5:41
6. "Shotgun Blues" 3:23
7. "Breakdown" 7:05
8. "Pretty Tied Up" 4:48
9. "Locomotive" 8:42
10. "So Fine" 4:06
11. "Estranged" 9:23
12. "You Could Be Mine" 5:44
13. "Don't Cry" 4:44
14. "My World" 1:24

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Zox - The Wait (2005)

I'm not terribly familiar with Zox but they are a band that sounds alternative and ska. I thought the violin was an interesting mix to the sound. They're kind of like a very light 311 if anyone I figure since they also have reggae elements in the music. It's definitely a risk of me writing this review since it's borderline indie rock which is a no-no for me. A different kind of listen for me and I have to be in a specific mood to listen to something I don't really get a kick out of but intake the music. I know they have played at some of the big festivals I think it was Rock am Ring when I first saw or heard of them. They might have the record of youngest band to be reviewed on The Music Enthusiast. I looked into there biography and they only have three records out. There almost too bright for me to listen to, they must be a band that writes music just to get girls. I found some tracks by them I liked but, overall not too impressive. Songs to check out "Can't Look Down", "Fallen" and "Thirsty".


1. "The Wait" – 0:31
2. "Thirsty" – 2:37
3. "Carolyn" – 4:50
4. "Little More Time" – 4:06
5. "Anything But Fine" – 4:05
6. "Better If It's Worse" – 3:03
7. "Bridge Burning" – 5:44
8. "Big Fish" – 5:07
9. "Can't Look Down" – 3:32
10. "Satellite" – 3:37
11. "Fallen" – 5:14
12. "Spades" – 4:57
13. "I Am Only Waiting" – 4:16

Friday, August 6, 2010

Alice in Chains - Facelift (1990)

A defining of genre arose with the release of Alice in Chains first record Facelift. Many bands try to duplicate them and none could. They're one of those bands that just have it. I'll always believe in them as one of the most underrated bands even though they can sell a million each album. They had the best duet of all time in Cantrell and Staley and they wrote better music than anyone in the entire decade overall. They were incorrectly labeled grunge which you're an idiot to believe that because that's like saying Led Zeppelin is a heavy metal band. My point is many people only know "Man in the Box", if they gave a chance and listened to any other track on the album they would know that this band is probably a lot better than you thought. I've been listening to them my whole life, they don't write fillers they write all possible number one singles. That lineup Kinney-Cantrell-Inez/Starr with Staley is mindblowing. Layne Staley deserves to be one of the most recognized legendary deceased rock stars such as John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley and Kurt Cobain. In my opinion he influenced me more than all those combined and many more. I know all of us Alice fans miss you and think about you every time one of your songs is on the radio or stereo.This album kicks ass and if you think Alice in Chains is stopping anytime soon your sadly mistaken because there new frontman William Duvall is a more than worthy replacement. Layne's voice lives on...Songs to check "Sea of Sorrow", "We Die Young" and "It Ain't Like That".



1. "We Die Young" 2:32
2. "Man in the Box" 4:46
3. "Sea of Sorrow" 5:49
4. "Bleed the Freak" 4:01
5. "I Can't Remember" 3:42
6. "Love, Hate, Love" 6:26
7. "It Ain't Like That" 4:37
8. "Sunshine" 4:44
9. "Put You Down" 3:16
10. "Confusion" 5:44
11. "I Know Somethin' ('Bout You)" 4:22
12. "Real Thing" 4:03

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Helmet - Meantime (1992)

Helmet's second album is by far my favorite. It has there best single to date "Unsung" in it and it's an influential alternative metal album. They had a lot of hype around them at the time because there debut album Strap it On was really good and had major labels flying deals to get them for the second record (Meantime). You might of notice that a lot of the albums I review come from certain years and are clustered into the early nineties. The fact is in the music industry every hard rock and heavy metal bands were putting out good material because the labels knew there were money there and thus they put money up front for the recording process which is leaps and bounds of what labels will do for a lot of up and coming bands. They gave them a broader stance musically and now it seems since records sales are going down they can only produce stuff that's radio friendly. I don't like the fact that Indie Rock has taken the spot of heavy metal just because it's light and in the minds of sixty year old business executives saying no one would like to hear that trash. I understand it's a business but, I always felt like there shooting themselves in the feet by not helping artists funding and expenses since it's seen as a risk to do any metal record that's not already a establish name. If Helmet recorded Meantime I'd be willing to bet they would've never made that Gold record even though it's better than any Jon Bon Jovi album he's ever done. Songs to check out "Unsung", "In the Meantime" and "Turned Out".


1. "In the Meantime" – 3:08
2. "Iron Head" – 3:22
3. "Give It" – 4:17
4. "Unsung" – 3:57
5. "Turned Out" – 4:14
6. "He Feels Bad" – 4:03
7. "Better" – 3:10
8. "You Borrowed" – 3:45
9. "FBLA II" – 3:22
10. "Role Model" – 3:35

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Soundgarden - Badmotorfinger (1991)

Soundgarden's third album Badmotorfinger is absolutely my favorite. This is there heavy record of there catalog. They were critically acclaimed and even went on tour with arguably the top band at that time Guns n Roses in 1992. They'd also be featured in Lollapalooza that year. They do sound a bit different from the previous release Louder Than Love but, Badmotorfinger was bassist Ben Shepherd first album which might have something to do with it sounding a more edgier and powerful. One of my favorite Soundgarden songs was being worked on during the recording process but, never finished. It was released on a movie soundtrack called "Singles" and they perform and play the song "Birth Ritual" in the film. On Revolver magazine's website they ranked Badmotorfinger at 26th greatest metal record ever. In my opinion this is there definitive album. Hopefully they'll do that reunion tour like promised. Songs to check out "Outshined", "Jesus Christ Pose" and "Rusty Cage".

1. "Rusty Cage" 4:26
2. "Outshined" 5:11
3. "Slaves & Bulldozers" 6:56
4. "Jesus Christ Pose" 5:51
5. "Face Pollution" 2:24
6. "Somewhere" 4:21
7. "Searching with My Good Eye Closed" 6:31
8. "Room a Thousand Years Wide" 4:06
9. "Mind Riot" 4:49
10. "Drawing Flies" 2:25
11. "Holy Water" 5:07
12. "New Damage" 5:40

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Pride & Glory - Pride & Glory (1994)

Pride and Glory was a side project for Zakk Wylde. He played for Ozzy still but, I assume he thought Ozzy was going to be retiring soon. This is a southern rock album and showcased many of his talents because this is even before Book of Shadows not a lot of people I think knew he was into lighter stuff. He's a monster guitar player and to this day he still can rip into ten minutes solos believe me I've witnessed it live when I saw Black Label Society. He does everything in this album from the piano to mandolin to harmonica. I always like things to be different like this album sounds like it could've been released in the seventies but, it totally doesn't match where the actual time of release is. His songs never have to be catchy because he could play the guitar like a motherfucker. Songs to check out "Horse Called War", "Machine Gun Man" and "Cry Me a River".

1. "Losin' Your Mind" - 5:28
2. "Horse Called War" - 5:00
3. "Shine On" - 6:44
4. "Lovin' Woman" - 3:46
5. "Harvester of Pain" - 5:06
6. "The Chosen One" - 6:49
7. "Sweet Jesus" - 3:48
8. "Troubled Wine" - 5:39
9. "Machine Gun Man" - 4:56
10. "Cry Me A River" - 4:37
11. "Toe'n The Line" - 5:19
12. "Found A Friend" - 6:03
13. "Fadin' Away" - 4:56
14. "Hate Your Guts" - 4:36

Monday, August 2, 2010

Days of the New - Days of the New (1997)

Days of the New debuting album was successful with singles and sold quite well. Most people probably remember them from when they opened up for Metallica back in 1998. They were one of those bands that fought a lot which they broke up after the tour as singer Travis Meeks fired them then his former bandmates formed Tantric after. I actually caught an episode of A&E's Intervention which showed Travis' addiction problem specifically with meth. There self entitled album is very alternative and all acoustic. It's classified as post-grunge, the feel to them is kind of like Candlebox if you're familiar with them. I'm not sure if there'll be a new album release from Travis but, he's supposedly been working on the fourth album for a couple years now. It looks like the guys in Tantric will have the last laugh. Songs to check out "Touch, Peel and Stand", "Shelf in the Room" and "The Down Town".

1. "Shelf in the Room" – 4:44
2. "Touch, Peel and Stand" – 4:57
3. "Face of the Earth" – 5:17
4. "Solitude" – 4:11
5. "The Down Town" – 4:16
6. "What's Left for Me?" – 5:27
7. "Freak" – 5:23
8. "Now" – 5:04
9. "Whimsical" – 6:01
10. "Where I Stand" – 5:39
11. "How Do You Know You?" – 5:33
12. "Cling" – 15:27

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Pearl Jam - Ten (1991)

Without a doubt, the best Pearl Jam album ever. I believe it sold like ten million records here in the states. It was one of those albums that creeped up on the billboard as it took sometime for people to figure out how good these new guys were. I still dispute with people with the Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots comparison because I definitely believe STP is the better band. I think Pearl Jam was the definition of grunge like Soundgarden and Nirvana were true grunge legends. Eddie Vedder has one of the most well known voices still in modern rock today. I heard Kurt Cobain call Pearl Jam as sellouts...big freaking deal. Would you like to be a band playing at Starbucks or selling millions of records making music to the masses to gain fans and recognition. This is a over fifty minute record that people would crave for today for alternative rock fans are wishing to see. Songs to check out "Alive", "Even Flow" and "Jeremy".

1. "Once" 3:51
2. "Even Flow" 4:53
3. "Alive" 5:40
4. "Why Go" 3:19
5. "Black" 5:44
6. "Jeremy" 5:18
7. "Oceans" 2:41
8. "Porch" 3:30
9. "Garden" 4:59
10. "Deep" 4:18
11. "Release[I]" 5:05